Living Free - May 27, 2015

God Is At Work!

Today's Scripture

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." - (Philippians 1:6 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

Today we continue our look at the symptoms of depression. Here are the next three. 

• Most depressed people search desperately for the cause of their depression. This desperation makes them vulnerable to suggestion and some even accept false memories. 
• People with depression will usually resist the idea of trying medication. Only reluctantly and after continued suffering will most depressed persons seek an antidepressant prescription and stick with it for the six months minimum necessary to make a possible lasting impact on brain chemistry. 
• Perhaps the most hurtful symptom of all is the abiding sense of worthlessness.

Consider this …

No matter what you may be experiencing or feeling, remember that when you received Christ, God began a good work in you. And he is not finished—he is still at work. Don't give up on yourself . . . God hasn't! 

You may not have the answers—but God does. And he loved you enough to send his only Son to die on the cross for your sins. You certainly are not worthless—you are priceless to God. Not because of anything you have or haven't done but because of what Jesus did. Because he loves you . . . unconditionally.

As long as we are in this world, we are under construction. The apostle Paul knew he hadn't arrived . . . but he also let go of the baggage of his past, kept his eyes on Jesus, and kept on in life. Growing. Learning. Serving. Receiving grace through Jesus.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:12-14 NLT)

Prayer

Father, thank you for your unconditional love and grace. Thank you for Jesus. Help me, like Paul, to put the past behind and press on. Help me always remember how special I am to you and that you have a plan for my life. A good plan. Help me do all you have designed me to do. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.

• Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
• Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
• Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
• Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
• How to pray for healing and what to expect
• Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ

 Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.